Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein, who is overseeing the investigation due to the fact that Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself, said this move is necessary in order to give Americans “full confidence” that the process and outcome of the investigation is independent.

This seems to be another indication of the President’s inability to know when it would be advantageous to keep his mouth shut.

After the announcement, Trump released a (most likely White House aide-drafted) statement:

“As I have stated many times, a thorough investigation will confirm what we already know — there was no collusion between my campaign and any foreign entity. I look forward to this matter concluding quickly. In the meantime, I will never stop fighting for the people and the issues that matter most to the future of our country.”

Although aides seemed to convince President Trump to be more measured in tone upon this huge announcement, 45’s Twitter fingers were still active early this morning.

With all of the illegal acts that took place in the Clinton campaign & Obama Administration, there was never a special counsel appointed!

This seems to be another indication of the president’s inability to know when it would be advantageous to keep his mouth shut.

President Trump, the White House, and the Republican-controlled Congress have repeatedly denied the need for a special prosecutor, but there was increased pressure for one to be selected after a torrent of bad news for the Trump administration, mainly due to 45’s inability to leave his foot out of his mouth.

Rosenstein did not inform the White House or Sessions of Mueller’s appointment until after he had already signed the order. Mueller has a wide latitude in this position – he can bring in his own staff, can issue subpoena, conduct interviews and perhaps finally get President Trump’s tax returns.